Barter & Shake, the acclaimed masterminds behind Century Grand, home to concepts Grey Hen Rx, Platform 18 and UnderTow, have introduced their latest venture: Sunny’s Lounge Say Less. Nestled in Arcadia, this cozy neighborhood haunt marks an electrifying addition to Phoenix’s vibrant lounge scene. 

“Sunny’s operates by a simple mantra – Drink More, Say Less,” says Jason Asher, Partner/Owner of Barter & Shake. “Say less really just means we’ve got this, we’ll exceed expectations and we’ll make sure it’s perfect.”

Sunny’s has been open for a year this September, but its most chatty regular, a ghost named Loretta, has been there for three decades. According to legend, Loretta’s husband, Sgt Persimmon, returned home from war only to pass away shortly after. His widow, Loretta, has since made Sunny’s Lounge her eternal haunt, rattling doors on windless days and occasionally dropping glassware from sturdy places.

“She can be a bit spicy; we’ve seen her throw glasses off shelves, toss the ice buckets around and pop open the cash drawer,” says Mat Snapp, VP of Operations at Barter & Shake. “I think she’s lonely, so say hello when you arrive and say goodbye when you leave – that’s what we do, anyway.”

Starting to get anxious? No worries. Drown any fears with one of Sunny’s signature cocktails including: 

  • For Love or Money: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Overproof Jamaican Rum, Amaro, Guava, Lime, Absinthe
  • Magazine Cover: Vodka, Pineapple, Black Currant, Cranberry, Orange, Jalapeno, Lime 
  • UnderTow MaiTai: Rhum JM Vo Aged Agricole Rhum, Smith and Cross aged jamaica rum, Pierre Ferrand curacao, orgeat, lime
  • Vintage Sass: Rye Whiskey, St. Lucian Spiced Rum, Amaro, Green Chartreuse, Rootbeer, Aromatic Bitters, Orange Oils 
  • When Doves Cry: Blanco Tequila, Italian Apertivo, Hibiscus, Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Cordial, Lime 

For shot-seekers, Sunny’s offers Fancy Pants Jello Shots in a variety of flavors that are constantly changing. While they might look like something from a college party, the ingredients are far more sophisticated. Sunny’s offers a lineup of gourmet, one-of-a-kind flavors including Mary’s Berries (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry), Eternal Sunshine (ginger, orange, tequila, mezcal) and Man Overboard (pineapple, coconut and lime in ocean blue Jello). 

“Jello shots are making a comeback thanks to the nostalgia those little concoctions evoke, so it’s only natural that we play with unique flavor combinations,” says Jordan Daniels, AGM of Sunny’s Lounge. “We’ll always have something fun on hand.”

Sunny’s is also a tribute to the hospitality industry’s unsung heroes, providing them with a sanctuary after pulling a dreaded open-clopen and shining a spotlight on them through ‘Bartender Takeovers’ where Arizona’s most talented bartenders shake things up to raise money for their favorite local charity. 

“Whether you’re looking for a phenomenal cocktail, are curious about the supernatural, or unwinding after a long shift, there’s a spot for you at Sunny’s,” says Cortnie Cozeck, Director of Operations at Barter & Shake. “We love live local music – one of our team members even tours in a band called the Breakup Shoes. We love having local food on site, great local bands – we want to be your home away from home.”

Sunny’s Lounge Say Less is located at 2701 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. For more information, visit Visi drinkmoresayless.com for more information or follow @drinkmoresayless.